Rise in public safety technology investment

Investment in public safety technology has increased in Australia and New Zealand, a survey by Motorola Solutions has found.

The survey, which focused on the technology needs within public safety, engaged 60 senior professionals working within this sector.

The survey’s findings highlight steady growth in broadband- and data-based technologies to improve operational performance, with 88% of respondents claiming that access to real-time data is now just as important as, or more important than, voice communication.

“While mission-critical land mobile radio technology will continue to provide the essential means of frontline communication for many years to come, agencies are extending the reach and capability of their critical communications by adding new data sources,” said Steve Crutchfield, vice president and managing director for Motorola Solutions Australia and New Zealand.

“Today, public safety agencies are investing a variety of new technology solutions. This includes smart applications to securely connect radio networks to users carrying smartphones and other devices, bodyworn video solutions to increase safety and accountability for officers and citizens, as well as purpose-built mobile applications to improve the management of daily workflows.

“The benefits of these investments include greater situational awareness, increased daily efficiency and productivity, and having access to a richer set of data sources for better and faster decision-making.”

The broader rollout of smart technologies will enable agencies to respond to more complex threats and ultimately enable them to apply sophisticated analytics to predict and prevent incidents before they occur.

The survey also highlighted rapid growth in the use of the cloud for public safety operational applications, computing and storage. 65% of respondents reported these cloud technology adoptions, an increase from 50% two years ago.

“Over time, the broader IT sector trend of shifting to the cloud for increased flexibility, cost savings and disaster protection and recovery has gradually made its way into public safety,” Crutchfield said.

Another major finding was the expanding role of the ‘intelligence officer’. More than 55% of respondents said agencies either have these roles today or plan to introduce them within the next two years. Intelligence officers can provide vital capabilities to public safety command centres, including the ability to collect, compile and analyse multiple information sources to deliver valuable intelligence to public safety personnel working on the front line.

The survey also highlighted a rise in public safety personnel using smartphones on the job. It revealed that 88% are now using smartphones compared with 66% two years ago. Responses also showed 70% of agencies now have a secure device strategy in place.

Results from the Australia and New Zealand survey also reflect findings from the Motorola Solutions 2016 Law Enforcement Survey Report, conducted in North America, which reveals how data is helping to improve community safety outcomes by strengthening connections between public safety and citizens through greater sharing of photos, videos and other data sources.

“In today’s digital age, a whole new suite of information sources is becoming increasingly important in helping public agencies perform their daily work,” said Crutchfield.

“Collectively, these survey findings demonstrate that a variety of new technologies is becoming established within public safety.

“The continuing shift towards smart technology is a positive development, but it needs to be carefully managed to ensure the essential community safety outcomes these agencies deliver are never compromised through technology change.

“The role of industry is to support the public safety community in Australia and New Zealand to select and adopt the right mix of technologies that can make the work of frontline personnel easier, safer and more efficient.”

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/tashatuvango

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